Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Patrick Taylor is the next man up for Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. He was the only back other than Guerendo to see an offensive snap last week, though he didn't earn a touch. We could also see Israel Abanikanda and Ke'Shawn Vaughn, though Taylor is the clear starter. The deeper into the depth chart San Francisco goes the harder it is for fantasy managers to trust their starting running back. Still, Taylor is the starting running back for a Shanahan offense that is still clinging to the slimmest of playoff odds. He narrowly cracks the top 24 at his position this week.

The 49ers will feature their fourth running back of the season on Sunday against the Dolphins if Guerendo can't suit up. Guerendo was a DNP in Wednesday's practice, but it sounds like the team is already preparing to be without the rookie. It's hard to know what direction the 49ers could go in here, but Patrick Taylor figures to be first in line for touches as the most-tenured member of the Niners. Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda only recently joined the team after it was revealed Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason would be placed on injured reserve, but both backs could also work into the mix even if Taylor operates as the lead back.

Guerendo played through a foot injury last week. He was listed as questionable for the Thursday tilt, played, and saw all 16 of the team's running back carries. The hamstring issue is a new one that likely didn't come up until after the game, given Guerendo's every-down role. If he can't suit up this week, the 49ers will be down to their fifth-string running back Patrick Taylor. San Francisco called him up from the practice squad after both Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason went on injured reserve. Taylor is worth an add in all leagues, though we should expect to see some Israel Abanikanda and possibly Ke'Shawn Vaughn if Guerendo is out.

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is active for tonight's game vs. the Rams. He was listed as questionable after only getting in a limited practice on Tuesday. But Guerendo downplayed the injury throughout the week and was reportedly expected to play tonight even before getting through warmups. There have been no reports so far about the rookie's expected workload in this one. He shapes up as a risk/reward fantasy play. Check the new-and-improved Who To Start Tool to see if Guerendo makes sense for your starting lineup. RBs Patrick Taylor and Ke'Shawn Vaughn are also active for San Francisco tonight; RB Israel Abanikanda is a healthy scratch.

Vaughn's practice squad days may be over. Week 14 starter, RB Isaac Guerendo exited with a foot injury and the 49ers have a quick turnaround, facing the Rams on Thursday night in Week 15. Vaughn played inefficiently but is currently penciled in as the team's No. 2 RB behind Patrick Taylor Jr. The team recently signed RB Israel Abanikanda but kept him inactive this week. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the news for updates on Guerendo's foot and Vaughn's depth chart spot in relation to the speedy Abanikanda.